Deputy Chairperson, the budget for the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, Ipid, has been an issue for as long as I can recall. Every year, members express the shock of how underfunded the directorate is and saying in the committee that this needs to change immediately. This year we were made privy to the information on how effectively, in terms of time, the directorate can deal with criminals within the police. The conclusion was that, no matter how a job they do, the current caseload versus capacity problem will sooner, rather than later, will render Ipid entirely ineffective. The consequence is, through its carelessness in this budget, the government is single-handedly protecting criminals in the police and ensuring that this mafia mob continues to thrive. It is in the hands of this House today to vote down this budget and to
ensure that the Ipid gets properly funded. Each member voting for this budget is voting despite their best intentions in the committee for the protection of criminals within the SA Police Service, SAPS. Now is not the time for my hon colleagues in the ANC to sit back and toe the party line. It is time to act in the interest of your constituents or to explain to them why a New Dawn means, that criminals continue to be protected and why their safety - that of the people who voted for you - don't seem to matter. I appeal to you, for once, do the right thing and vote this down for the sake of the people we serve, every woman, man and child and their safety. The DA cannot support this budget and neither should you. Thank you, Chair.